This is to all the Doves.....
 
I was having a discussion about the antichrist today and just wanted to get some input on what some of you think.
 
In Daniel 9:26&27 the antichrist is described in the role he will play concerning the peace covenant and the desecration of the temple.  It is my understanding that the desecration will occur at the halfway mark of tribulation.  This will result in increased persecution of anyone who will not submit to the antichrist's authority.  This is where I think that people will be forced to take the mark (of the beast) instead of taking it willingly as in the first 3 1/2 yrs.  The second half of tribulation will see the saints being martyred for their faith (as described in Revelation).
 
My question involves how the Jewish people will regard him.  Will the antichrist be accepted by the Jews as their messiah?  I would wonder why, if they do accept him as messiah, they rebuild the temple and continue to have animal sacrifices?  Wouldn't all this stop if their messiah was among them?  And, if the ark of the covenant is in the rebuilt temple, why they would need it if their messiah had returned?
 
If I understand the scripture correctly, when the antichrist desecrates the temple (whether by entering the Holy of Holies or by an unacceptable sacrifice) this is when the Jews realize that he is not the savior of the world that he claims to be.  But does this mean that they have accepted him as their messiah, the Christ?  Or do they just view him as a great man who has the answer to the world's problems?  The main question is "If they see him as the messiah, why would they care if he entered the Holy of Holies (since he would be G-d)"?  And wouldn't any sacrifice that he made (if they see him as their Messiah or G-d) be acceptable?  Since he is among them, wouldn't he be able to take away their sins instead of an animal sacrifice?
 
So, exactly what part will he play for the Jews?  Do the Jews see their Messiah as G-d come in the flesh as Christians see Jesus as part of the trinity?
 
If he is veiwed as Messiah, why would an animal sacrifice still be necessary?  And as Messiah (or G-d) wouldn't he have access to any part of the temple and be able to make any rule he wanted?
 
I have always thought that the man who is the antichrist would be accepted by the Jews as their Messiah, but now I am wondering about how he will be seen by them. I hope my question is clear.  I would love to hear some other thoughts about this.
 
Bea
http://thehive.home.insightbb.com